Providence Child Center Recognizes Pat and Jo Becker with 2009 “Heart of Gold” Award

Jan. 30, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. – Pat and Jo Becker will receive Providence Child Center Foundation’s Heart of Gold Award for their dedication to improving the lives of children with special needs. Through advocacy and action, the Beckers have given a tremendous amount of time and talent to support the medically fragile children at Providence Child Center. They will be presented with the award at the foundation’s Heart of Gold Dinner, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, at Providence Child Center.

The Becker’s servant leadership has stretched over 20 years. Pat Becker led the initial capital campaign for the Center for Medically Fragile Children in the early 1990s. The Beckers continue their service today through their leadership on the center’s foundation board. “We are blessed to have Pat and Jo’s support over the years,” said Pat Budo, administrator of Providence Child Center. “Their dedication to the children here has enabled us to provide services and resources to thousands of families in this region.”

Pat Becker founded Becker Capital Management in 1976. His wife, Jo, has worked by his side for more than 40 years. Together, they have played a generous role in philanthropic endeavors throughout the state, including their support of the University of Portland, Jesuit High School, Friends of Children, The Nativity School and the High Desert Museum.

This year’s Heart of Gold Dinner will begin with a reception at Providence Child Center and includes a brief tour of the center for Medically Fragile Children. Guests will then be escorted to the tenth floor of Providence Portland Medical Center’s new Cancer Tower where dinner will be served and the award program will take place.

Proceeds from the Heart of Gold Dinner will benefit the endowment at the Center for Medically Fragile Children at Providence Child Center. The Center is the only 24-hour pediatric skilled nursing facility in the Northwest dedicated to children with profound disabilities and complex medical needs. The center’s 58 beds are designated for children who need long-term chronic care, short-term respite care and other services. Many families describe the center as a second home for their children, and the center’s care is provided without financial burden to the families. The Providence Child Center Foundation helps provide for the daily care of the children with generous support from community donors and fund-raising events such as the Heart of Gold dinner.

For Heart of Gold dinner sponsorship or table reservations, please call the Providence Child Center Foundation at 503-513-1150.